Brendan looked visibly upset when he broke the news on Lorraine that he won't be returning to Strictly

And now fans have vented their outrage, suggesting that Brendan has been booted off the show after confronting Shirley.

Brendan - who has been on Strictly since the show started in 2004 - argued back with Shirley when he disagreed with her feedback on his routines with Good Morning Britain star Charlotte Hawkins last series.

It's also been heavily reported that he was bitter that he lost out as head judge when Len Goodman retired, when bosses plumped for the Queen of Latin instead.

One fan said: "Hope it wasn't because of his disagreements with Shirley Ballas. Just saying."

Absolute disgrace the way Brendan Cole has been treated. He is the Mr Strictly. Brilliant dancer. Trouble is the last few years he has mostly ended up with duff partners. Hope it wasn’t because of his disagreements with Shirley Ballas. Just saying.

@bbcstrictlyPR Huge mistake not renewing Brendan Cole's contract, especially if the rumour about Shirley Ballas being at the bottom of this is true. But whatever you do, don't take into account who the fans want to see as a pro dancer. Shame on you.

Shirley has known Brendan for years and she used to socialise with his former girlfriend and ex-Strictly pro Camilla Dallerup.

Referring to their on-screen argument, Shirley previously told The Sun: “He’s confrontational. Every other professional was extremely respectful, very well-mannered, ‘How are you Mrs Ballas? You’re doing a good job’.

“I was quite surprised. I got my feelings hurt because when he was with Camilla all those years ago they came to our home, had dinner.

"But again, in my industry I’m used to that.

“He’s going on chat shows saying, ‘I’m her equal’ and this, that and the other. I don’t need to put somebody else down to build myself up.”